The Planning and Zoning Office along with the Planning and Zoning Commission develops and administers city plans and land use regulations. The City of Farmington has a Comprehensive Plan, and regulations pertaining to zoning, subdivisions, floodplain management and storm water management.

Planning General

Planning was adopted by the City of Farmington May 14, 1962 and a Planning Commission was appointed soon after. The primary purposes of the Planning Commission, known today as the Planning and Zoning Commission, are to make and maintain a city plan.

The City Plan

The purpose of the city plan, also known as the comprehensive plan is to positively guide the future development of the city. It includes historical, physical and demographic information about the city. It also addresses topics such as transportation, land use, housing, public works, and parks and open space.

Major Elements of the Plan

Two key elements of the comprehensive plan are the Land Use Plan and the Major Street Plan. The Land Use Plan is a plan for the general layout of the entire city in terms of general types of land use and the major street plan defines future street corridors which should be preserved.

Updates to the Plan

It is necessary to amend or update the comprehensive plan from time to time in order to keep pace with changing conditions. Since the first comprehensive plan was adopted by Farmington in 1964, there have been four major updates.

The Current Plan

The most recent update, made in 2011 involved input from people from all around the city including citizen advisors, planning commissioners, and elected officials, as well as city staff and paid consultants.

Zoning General

The city is divided into various districts known as zoning districts. The use of buildings, structures and land in each district is subject to certain zoning regulations which are generally intended to promote the health, safety, and welfare of the public; conserve the value of buildings; and encourage the most appropriate use of land.

The Zoning Ordinance

Farmington’s first zoning ordinance was adopted June 25, 1965. The original zoning districts were created at that time. Numerous amendments and updates to the city’s zoning districts and zoning regulations have since been made.

Rezoning

A change in the zoning classification of land also known as a rezoning may be requested by a property owner or initiated by the city. Rezoning is subject to review by the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council.

Special Use Permit

Certain land uses known as special or conditional uses may be allowed only by Special Use Permit, which requires review and approval by the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council.

Variances or Appeals

The city’s zoning regulations include procedures appeals or requests for variances of zoning regulations to be made to the Board of Adjustment. This board is a select group of citizens appointed by the Mayor and City Council expressly for these duties.

Planned Unit Development (PUD)

Some degree of flexibility is offered through P.U.D.’s, reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Commission and the City Council.

Zoning Applications

A complete application package for any zoning-related request consists of the following. 1. A Planning and Zoning Application form. 2. A copy of the deed for the property involved. 3. A list of the names and addresses of all adjacent property owners. 4. At least two copies of any required site plans, plats, surveys or other documents. (see below) 5. The required fees.

Plat, Plans & Surveys (Zoning)

Rezoning

At least two paper or digital copies (PDF preferred) of a land survey or a plat, if the land is part of a platted subdivision. Special Use Permits, Planned Unit Developments, Variances or Appeals(except individual one and two family dwellings on a single lot of record). At least two copies of a site plan which complying with the minimum requirements of the zoning ordinance for a site plan, and at least two 8.5”x11” or 11×17” paper or digital copies of the site plan (PDF preferred). Special Use Permits, Variances or Appeals (individual one and two family dwellings on a single lot of record.) At least two paper or digital copies (PDF preferred) of a plot plan complying with the minimum requirements of the zoning ordinance for a plot plan, not less than 8.5”x11”.

Contact Us:

Tim Porter, MPPA

Development Services Department

101 South Jefferson Street

Farmington, MO 63640

573-756-0608

Fax: 573-756-5161

Email: tporter@farmington-mo.gov